Three clubs hire bosses

Jun 25 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

THE managerial merry-go-round has gone into overdrive this week with three Junior clubs moving to appoint new men at the top.

Bathgate Thistle have been quick to replace Paul Jack, who was sacked as boss at the Creamery Park club after he secured their Super League status on the final day of the season.

Alan Lawrence was also sacked from his position as assistant coach.

Graeme Love, the ex-Hibs player, who for many seasons has been at the heart of the Bathgate defence, has been appointed as manager.

He takes with him Alan Middleton, who leaves his current position as the Broxburn boss to join up with his former team-mate at Thistle.

Speaking after his appointment Love said: “It’s with a lot of regret that I take over from Paul and Alan because they had been at the club almost as long as myself.

“I know how they must be feeling, but it was an opportunity I had to take.

“It’s not every day you get the chance to manage a club as big as this.

“It’s not been a great season for us but I feel it finished too soon. If we had a few more games to play we could have been challenging for the title.

“We have a squad of 24 players with 10 out of contract so there a lot of work to be done.

“Obviously the same money isn’t at the club now but were looking at this positively and want the new season to start as quickly as possible.

“It’s a big change for everyone at the club now that Willie Hill has left but he left a solid foundation so there’s a lot to play for and good days are ahead.”

Fauldhouse have also appointed a new manager.

Andy Cunningham left the club once he had ensured Premier League status for next season, feeling he had done his job, and the club wish to acknowledge what Andy has done. They have taken on board Allan Prosser as boss and Brian Martin the ex-Motherwell player as his assistant. They were the management team at Stonehouse Violet before their demise.

Broxburn were another side looking to replace their manager after Middleton left to join Bathgate as assistant to Love.

Before he left he had appointed Steve Pittman the former Partick Thistle and USA internationalist as his assistant.

The club met and after due consideration agreed with Middleton’s recommendations.

It means Pittman, who most recently was Pumpherston boss, has taken over with Grant Fairley and Stevie McIlhone as his coaches.